Program Eligibility and Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Under IC 33-23-16-26, a person does not have a right to participate in Veterans Court. Instead, participation in Veterans Court is a voluntary option agreed to by the participant. Criteria for acceptance into the program includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Current or prior service in the armed forces as verified by a DD Form 214.
  2. The veteran’s criminal activity can be linked directly or indirectly to service in the armed forces. 
  3. No open warrants or charges against the veteran outside this county.
  4. No prior convictions against the veteran for murder, rape, or child molestation.
  5. Acceptance of the veteran’s case by the Judge(s) involved.

Ineligibility Criteria

Veterans facing charges of Murder, Rape, or Child Molestation are ineligible for Veterans Court. Veterans eligible for and  accepted into Hamilton County Drug Court will also be ineligible for Veterans Court.

Other Considerations

Other eligibility factors considered include:  

  1. Willingness to comply with court ordered treatment and education services. 
  2. Ability to physically participate in all services, within the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  3. Risk and need levels based upon the Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS).
  4. Willingness to pay all fees and any restitution within the time frame of the program. 

Acceptance into Hamilton County Veterans Court is contingent on background reviews by the Prosecutor and VA. The Hamilton County Veterans Court Judge is the final authority in accepting a veteran into Veterans Court.

Program Requirements  

A participant in Veterans Court must agree to, and comply with, all program requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Attend all court sessions
  • Comply with court incentives and sanctions
  • Attend all treatment sessions
  • Attend self-help meetings 
  • Abstain from alcohol and submit to chemical testing
  • Report to court staff as directed
  • Pay all fees associated with participation
  • Maintain full-time employment or college status
  • Maintain a permanent residence

A participant may have additional requirements placed upon them by the judge, based upon their specific case needs. Any fees or costs for these requirements are the responsibility of the participant. Such requirements may include, but are not limited to:

  • Freedom restrictions (Community Corrections, Work Release, Home Detention, Day Reporting, Probation, etc.)
  • Ankle Monitoring Bracelet
  • GPS Tracking Device